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Home My WebLink About2000-04-03 Historic District Board Summary - Work SessionHISTORIC bi,STRICT BOARD Apr'il $, ~000 - 7:00 p.m. *** WORK ,SE,S,SION A~ENDA*** Kenai City Hall Purpose of meeting o Define goals taking into consideration recommendations from Ci~ Council o P~oduce plan to p~esent to City Council on 4/17/00 Discuss Council's concerns o Establishing Quorums o Goals o Geographical boundaries o Funding/G~ants fo~ p~ojects- costs to city ($ end 'personnel) o Responsibilities fo~ p~ojects o Other Discuss possible future goals/projects (Suggestions) o Inventory historical items o Find suitable tract of land to display historical objects in proximity of or on the walking tour o Investigate grants funding to meet goals (Cost to city?) o Pursue networking with other agencies and city boards and commissions (Historical Society, Visitor Center, Parks & Recreation, Beautification Commission, etc.) o Pursue possibility of historical display at airport possiby in conjunction with Visitor's Center (Kiosk) o 5hkituk' Village Proposed Park Plan (Status~Update) o Implement a "Spring Clean-up Day" for Old Town ~: Recruit the Beautification Committee and Parks & Recreation Department to co-sponsor the event :~,: Enlist property owners' support o "Adopt-a-corner" Flower Beds Historic District Board Work Session Agenda Page 2 April 3, 2000 o Place benches along walking tour (Enlist groups to donate or build benches, i.e. scouts, school groups, service organizations.) o Place trash receptacles along walking tour (Enlist groups- see above.) Would need to receive assistance from Parks & Recreation to empty cans. o Historic Preservation Week (Yearly activities. Perhaps start a traditional activity. Possibly plan events with the Visitor Center.) o Develop objective review criteria for development within Old Town o Review code (KMC 14.20.105) ~.~: Is it clear? ~: Does it need revision? ,~: Recommend possible changes (subjective vs. objective) :~: Discuss responsibilities and Board's role in relation to COdP.,. Prepare recommendation for City Council based on above discussions o Possible suggestions ~¢~: Board be allowed to continue ~: Meetings be held more frequently (bi-monthly or monthly) ,~: List planned goals and activities HISTORIC DISTRICT BOARD April 3, 2000- 7:00 p.m. Kenai City Hall Chair- Mike Huhndorf Work Session Notes Members Present: Ethel Clausen, Bill Kluge, Emily DeForest, Michael Huhndorf, Para Russell, Sasha Lindgren, Gwen Preston Also Present: Councilman Joe Moore, Administrative Assistant Marilyn Kebschull, Contract Secretary Barb Roper Introductions were made for the benefit of the three new members. Sasha Lindgren, Gwen Preston and Pam Russell. Huhndorf explained the purpose of the work session, which was to define goals taking into consideration the recommendations from Council and to produce a plan to present to the City Council at the HDB April 17 meeting. The following topics were discussed: Council Concerns' It was noted that Council's main concern was whether or not the HDB could maintain quorums as it has been a real problem in the past. Kebschull pointed out there were four meetings scheduled last year and two were cancelled due to lack of quorum. The overall consensus was that with a full board now it should not be a problem making a quorum. Member Residency Requirements: A question was raised on whether or not there was a legal Board due to residency requirements outlined in the ordinance. It was noted, KMC 14.20.105 (b) (1), last sentence states, "A majority, plus one member must be residents of the City of Kenai." It was noted that three members lived outside the city limits. This issue will need to be addressed by Council. Goals: A lengthy discussion took place on goals of the HDB. Kebschull reported that of the seven goals set last year, none were accomplished. Some of the goals (old and new) discussed included obtaining a tract of land to display artifacts and large historical items currently being stored at the city maintenance yard; performing an inventory of such items; identity of other structures or sites that are historical in nature; community education; and review and clarification of KMC 14.20.105. It was decided the Board should start out with one goal that would have some activities beneath it. An example would be obtaining a tract of land to display the historical items and the inventory of such items would be part of that goal. Historic District Board Work Session April 3, 2000 Page 1 Certified Local Government (CLG) Status: A lengthy discussion ensued regarding CLG status. Kluge thought the issue should be the main focus of the work session and asked what the benefit was to the city by having CLG status. Kebschull replied that it only allowed the city access to various grants. Kebschull also noted, administering the grants costs the city money. Kluge asked if maintaining the CLG status would provide for tax credits to those living within the historic boundaries. Kebschull noted she was not aware of a tie between the CLG status and tax credits but individuals could apply if eligible to do so. Kebschull stated that if the city didn't want to maintain their CLG status, the Board could continue under the city. Discussion ensued regarding continuing without CLG status and it was noted the code would have to be rewritten if the city decided to drop the CLG. Frequency of Meetings: Discussion took place on the frequency of meetings and it was noted the meetings were currently held quarterly and the majority didn't think that was often enough. Suggestions for more frequent meetings included once per month or every other month. A decision will be made at the meeting on April 17, 2000. KMC 14.20.105: It was noted that if the city decides to discontinue their CLG status, KMC 14.20.105 would have to be rewritten. Historical Society and Historic District Board: Discussion took place on whether or not there was a duplication of efforts between the Historic District Board and the Historical Society. It was noted the Historical Society was independent of the city but the two groups could certainly work together on many historical issues. Emily DeForest reported she is a member of the Historical Society and the group could assist with some projects. Community Education of HDB: Community education was an ongoing topic of discussion and the majority agreed the issue was very important and should have priority. Various methods of educating the community were discussed. Past Studies and Surveys of the Historic District: Kebschull provided copies of old studies and surveys for the Board to review. The first study completed in 1985 was discussed and it appeared it was the catalyst to form the Historic District Board. Moore asked Kebschull to contact the group who performed the study to see if they had any input as to whether or not maintaining CLG status is helpful. Kebschull answered she would attempt to make the call. Kebschull pointed out there would, more than likely, be a fee to obtain the advice and that's one of the reasons the city uses OHA. Lindgren noted that there are many OHA changes being made at this time and they are working very hard to stay in existence. Historic District Board Work Session April 3, 2000 Page 2 Old Town Improvements and Clean Up: A brief discussion took place on recommendations to clean up Old Town. Some of the suggestions included placing benches, trashcans, corner flowerbeds, etc. It was recommended the HDEI contact the Beautification Committee for assistance in this effort. It was also suggested the Rotary Club or other organizations be contacted for donations of trash receptacles or benches. Recommendations to City Council Kebschull stated the Board needed to come up with a proposal to City Council regarding their plans for the year and the commitment to make it work. After much discussion the following was agreed upon: o The HDB will ask the City Council whether or not it is in the city's best interest to maintain CLG status. If so, then the code should be revisited with regard to development in Old Town. If not, then the HDB will become a Board of the city only and will serve as other committees do. e If Council decides not to maintain CLG status, then KMC 14.20.105 would need to be rewritten. o HDB will establish realistic goals and limit the number so they can be more achievable. Suggested goals include' ao be Obtain a tract of land to display historic artifacts and equipment currently being stored in the city's maintenance yard. Inventory such artifacts and equipment. Ce Continue and enhance community education. After a general recap, the work session adjourned at 9' 15 p.m. Barbara Roper, Contract Secretary Historic District Board Work Session April 3, 2000 Page 3